Attractions
Discover the beauty of nature, stunning landscapes, serene river beaches, and rich gastronomy. All this and much more awaits you in Coja. Come visit us!
In Coja and its surroundings, you'll find many places worthy of your visit. Here, time seems to slow down, allowing us to follow the birdsong into the mountains or along the river course leading to some of Portugal's most beautiful and historic villages. The experiences here are diverse and unique. Make the most of your stay to discover the uniqueness of the landscapes and our local culture. We're here to guide you and provide you with a memorable experience.
The Princess of Alva River
Coja Village
Coja, known as the Princess of Alva, is a true gem in the interior of Portugal. With remote origins and traces of Roman and Moorish civilizations, along with an incomparable natural surroundings, it is a privileged area in the Beira Serra region.
Unique Places
Piódão & Foz d' Égua
Visiting Piódão is practically a must for many Portuguese and for those visiting our country. It is one of the 12 historic villages of Portugal and one of the most remote. Situated on a slope of the Serra do Açor, surrounded by imposing mountains over 1000 meters high, such as Mount São Pedro do Açor and Mount Colcurinho, where the Chapel of Our Lady of Necessidades is located. Nearby, you can explore the famous village and river beach of Foz d'Égua or the rock carvings of Chãs d'Égua.
Villages with history
Schist Villages
In the Serra do Açor, you will find five must-visit Schist villages: Aldeia das Dez, Benfeita, Fajão, Sobral de São Miguel, and Vila Cova do Alva. Don't wait any longer to uncover the secrets of these charming places. Embark on this adventure and discover each one of them, some with traces of prehistoric times.
The biggest Schist Mountain in Portugal
Serra do Açor
The Serra do Açor is one of the highest mountain ranges in the country and harbors the highest schist mountain formation, such as Pico da Cebola, standing at 1418 meters above sea level. Bordering the Serra da Estrela, this region is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. Here you'll find paradisiacal river beaches, lush forests like Mata da Margaraça, impressive waterfalls such as Fraga da Pena, stunning landscapes, and beautiful historic villages and schist villages.
The Biggest Mountain in Continental Portugal
Serra da Estrela
The Serra da Estrela deserves to be visited in every season, not only because it is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, reaching 1993 meters in altitude, but also for its stunning beauty and the changing colors throughout the year. There are dozens of unique experiences you can enjoy in this mountain range: climb to Torre, the highest point, taste the delicious Serra da Estrela cheese, ski in winter, admire the glacial valleys, explore the trails, or simply savor the crystal-clear water from a spring. It is in this range that the river originates, flowing through the village of Coja, filling us with joy with its pristine waters.
Beauty in pure state
Fraga da Pena
A Fraga da Pena, located in the Protected Landscape of Serra do Açor, is a unique and special place. This geological feature has resulted in a series of successive waterfalls, including one that is approximately 19 meters high. Along the banks, you'll find ancient trees such as oaks, chestnut trees, and arbutus trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. Photos capture its beauty, but nothing compares to experiencing this place firsthand with all your senses.
Contact with nature
Margaraça Forest
The Mata da Margaraça is one of Portugal's most significant forests, with records dating back to the 13th century. Spanning 68 hectares, it is considered the last stronghold of original vegetation in the central part of the country, serving as an important biogenetic reserve for science. The forest offers several hiking trails and features an interpretive center managed by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas).
the most beautiful
River Beaches
There are several paradisiacal river beaches in the village and its surroundings. Just a few minutes from the guesthouse, you can visit the Praia Fluvial do Caneiro de Côja, which has been awarded a blue flag. If you prefer, there are many other places to choose from. There are over 20 river beaches nearby.
Religion
Shrines and Chapels
In the surrounding area of Villa Montês, you will find some of Portugal's most emblematic chapels and sanctuaries. We provide detailed maps for each of them. The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora das Preces, built in the 16th century in the majestic Serra do Açor and just a few kilometers from the historic village of Piódão, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Necessidades, located at 1250 meters altitude, are just a few examples of what you can visit in this region.
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